EVALUATION OF GLUTARALDEHYDE-TANNED HUMAN UMBILICAL-CORD VEIN AS A VASCULAR PROSTHESIS FOR BYPASS TO POPLITEAL, TIBIAL, AND PERONEAL ARTERIES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 83  (5) , 577-588
Abstract
The reconstructions (131) to the popliteal (n = 80), tibial (n = 26) and peroneal (n = 25) arteries were performed using glutaraldehyde (GA)-tanned human umbilical cord veins. Cumulative patency rates to 20 mo. calculated by the standard life-table method were 84.8%, 74.0%, and 49.6% for popliteal, tibial, and peroneal reconstructions, respectively. The latter included many of the early cases with extremely advanced obliterative atherosclerosis and gangrene. These results are equivalent and even superior to those obtained with saphenous veins, particularly when the cases are analyzed in distinct clinical and pathological categories. The quality of the runoff was the major determinant in obtaining long-term patency and limb function. The primary factor accounting for graft closure was progression of the atherosclerotic process in the distal circulation. No failures could be attributed directly to the graft. This clinical experience confirmed previous data showing the unique properties of the GA-tanned umbilical vein. Longer-term follow-up should continue to show the superior qualities of this new vascular substitute.

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